HAVE EVERYONE AT THE TABLE. ALWAYS.
The story of Ironclad Co.
Levi
Creative Director
Kate
Design Director
Joe
Operations & Partnerships
Felicity
Chef & Content
A Grandmother’s Magical Kitchen.
Ironclad began, like all good things, with food. Founders Levi and Kate found inspiration in cookware inherited from Levi’s grandmother, Lily Slavin. Lily was the kind of grandmother that made childhood magical. Her kitchen was filled with stories, laughter, and the aroma of recipes perfected over generations. Cooking with her heirlooms unlocked memories and stories and allowed the whole family to time-travel to Lily's kitchen.
Some of these pieces had come from Russia, passed down through generations, carrying the essence of shared meals and traditions. This experience shaped Ironclad’s purpose: to create cookware that connects generations. In a world of fast consumption, Ironclad crafts cookware designed to last lifetimes—so that what you share at the table today becomes tomorrow’s legacy.
Reigniting A Forgotten Flame.
Kate and Levi set out to revive New Zealand’s dormant cast iron industry, determined to create cookware with timeless beauty and quality. The journey wasn’t easy. It required sourcing materials, finding skilled artisans, and perfecting techniques that balanced heritage with innovation.
Their vision was to honour the legacy of heirloom cookware while adapting it for today. Ironclad’s heirloom range remains handmade in New Zealand, a testament to their dedication. As demand grew, production expanded overseas, but every pan meets the same standards of durability and performance.
Ironclad isn’t just about cookware—it’s about building memories. Each pan is a vessel for stories, ready to be passed down. To support this, Kate and Levi launched a digital recipe vault for families to share their recipes, connecting a community of passionate cooks. Because the best meals are remembered.
A Company Forged In Community.
From the start, Ironclad has believed in the power of community. This belief led us to invite renowned chefs Lennox Hastie, Peter Gordon, Al Brown, and over 260 customers to become co-owners, collaborating to design cookware with those who use it.
Today, our heirloom-quality cast iron collection is a testament to this shared journey. Each piece carries our name and guarantee cast into the iron as a mark of pride and commitment to quality. This detail ensures every pan embodies the care and dedication that built Ironclad.
With Ironclad in your kitchen, those who matter most—past, present, and future—always have a place at the table. Share your #IroncladCooking moments and inspire meals that will be remembered for years to come.